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Chapter6_StructuralAnalysis-1

Chapter 6 focuses on structural analysis, specifically the determination of forces in truss members using methods of joints and sections, as well as identifying zero-force members. It emphasizes the importance of understanding statics for predicting structural failure and outlines procedures for analyzing simple trusses and frames. The chapter includes examples to illustrate the application of these methods in real-world scenarios.

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Marc Ernel Walker
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16 views21 pages

Chapter6_StructuralAnalysis-1

Chapter 6 focuses on structural analysis, specifically the determination of forces in truss members using methods of joints and sections, as well as identifying zero-force members. It emphasizes the importance of understanding statics for predicting structural failure and outlines procedures for analyzing simple trusses and frames. The chapter includes examples to illustrate the application of these methods in real-world scenarios.

Uploaded by

Marc Ernel Walker
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter 6: Structural Analysis

Goals and Objectives


• Determine the forces in members of a truss using the method of
joints

• Determine zero-force members

• Determine the forces in members of a truss using the method of


sections
Simple trusses
Trusses are commonly used to support
roofs.

A more challenging question is, that for


a given load, how can we design the
trusses’ geometry to minimize cost?
Scaffolding

An understanding of statics is
critical for predicting and
analyzing possible modes of
failure.

Buckling of slender members in


compression is always a
consideration in structural
analysis.
Simple trusses
Truss:
 Structure composed of slender
members joined together at end
points
 Transmit loads to supports

Assumption of trusses
 Loading applied at joints, with
negligible weight (If weight included,
vertical and split at joints)
 Members joined by smooth pins

Result: all truss members are two-


force members, and therefore the
force acting at the end of each member
will be directed along the axis of the
member
Roof trusses

Load on roof transmitted to purlins, and from purlins to roof trusses at joints.

Bridge trusses

Load on deck transmitted to stringers, and from stringers to floor beams, and from floor
beams to bridge trusses at joints.
Truss joints
 Bolting or welding of the ends of the
members to a gusset plates or passing a
large bolt through each of the members
 Properly aligned gusset plates equivalent to
pins (i.e., no moments) from coplanar,
concurrent forces
 Simple trusses built from triangular
members
Method of joints
 Entire truss is in equilibrium if and only if all individual pieces (truss
members and connecting pins) are in equilibrium.
 Truss members are two-force members: equilibrium satisfied by equal,
opposite, collinear forces.
 Tension: member has forces elongating.
 Compression: member has forces shortening.
 Pins in equilibrium:∑ 0 and ∑ 0

Procedure for analysis:


 Free-body diagram for each joint
 Start with joints with at least 1 known force
and 1-2 unknown forces.
 Generates two equations, 1-2 unknowns for
each joint.
 Assume the unknown force members to be in tension; i.e.
the forces “pull” on the pin. Numerical solutions will yield
positive scalars for members in tension and negative scalar
for members in compression.
Example 1)
The truss, used to support a balcony, is subjected
to the loading shown. Approximate each joint as a
pin and determine the force in each member. State
whether the members are in tension or
compression.
We will determine the force in each member of the truss and
indicate whether the members are in tension or compression.
Example 2)
Determine the force in member FG of the truss and
state if the member is in tension or compression.
Zero-force members
• Particular members in a structure may experience no force for certain loads.
• Zero-force members are used to increase instability
• Identifying members with zero-force can expedite analysis.
Two situations:
• Joint with two non-collinear members, no external or support reaction applied to the
joint  Both members are zero-force members.
• Joint with two collinear member, plus third non-collinear, no loads applied to the joint 
Non-collinear member is a zero-force member.
Example 3)
Determine the force in member GC of the
truss and state if the member is in tension or
compression.
Method of sections
• Determine external support reactions
• “Cut” the structure at a section of interest into two separate
pieces and set either part into force and moment equilibrium
(your cut should be such that you have up to three unknowns)

• Determine equilibrium equations (e.g.,moment around point of intersection of two lines)


• Assume all internal loads are tensile.
Example 4)
Determine the force in member GC of the
truss and state if the member is in tension or
compression.
Frames and machines
Frames and machines are two common types of structures that have at least one
multi-force member (Recall that trusses have nothing but two-force members).

Machines contain moving parts and


are designed to alter the effect of forces
Frames are generally stationary
and used to support various
external loads.
Frames and machines
The members can be truss elements, beams, pulleys,
cables, and other components. The general solution
method is the same:
1. Set the entire structure into external equilibrium.
This step will generally produce more unknowns
than there are relevant equations of equilibrium.
2. Identify two-force members
3. Isolate various part(s) of the structure, setting each
part into equilibrium. The sought forces or couples
must appear in one or more free-body diagrams.
4. Solve for the requested unknowns. Look for ways to
form single equations and single unknowns.

Problems are going to be challenging since there are


usually several unknowns. A lot of practice is needed to
develop good strategies and ease of solving these
problems.
For the frame, draw the free-body diagram of (a) each member, (b) the pins at B and A, and
(c) the two members connected together.
A 500 kg elevator car is being hoisted by a motor using a pulley system. If
the car travels at a constant speed, determine the force developed in the
cables. Neglect the cable and pulley masses.

T1
T2
Example 5)
The frame supports a 50kg cylinder. Determine
the horizontal and vertical components of
reaction at A and the force at C
Example 6)
The compound beam shown is pin-connected at
B. Determine the components of reaction at its
supports. Neglect its weight and thickness.

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